9866539

System and Method for Protecting Transmission of Audio Data from Microphone to Application Processes

PublishedJanuary 9, 2018
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Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
21 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method for preventing unauthorized access to audio data, the method comprising: receiving, by a processor of a computer, a request from one software process selected from a plurality of software processes to obtain an audio stream from an audio endpoint device; determining, by the processor, a process identifier for the one software process that transmitted the request to obtain the audio stream; allocating, by the processor, a data buffer selected from a plurality of data buffers for the one software process according to the determined process identifier; processing and encrypting audio data received from the audio endpoint device by at least one audio processing object, wherein the audio data is associated with the requested audio stream; storing, by the processor, the encrypted audio data in the allocated data buffer for the one software process; based on the determined process identifier, installing an interceptor of an application program interface (API) function call for the one software process corresponding to the determined process identifier, such that the installed interceptor is configured to access the encrypted audio data from the allocated data buffer and decrypt the encrypted audio data only for the one software process; and decrypting the encrypted audio data from the allocated data buffer by the one software process using the interceptor of the API function call.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to securing audio data in computing systems by preventing unauthorized access to audio streams from endpoint devices. The method involves a processor receiving a request from a software process to obtain an audio stream from an audio endpoint device, such as a microphone. The processor identifies the requesting process using a process identifier and allocates a dedicated data buffer for it. Audio data from the endpoint device is processed and encrypted before being stored in the allocated buffer. An interceptor is then installed for the requesting process, which allows it to access and decrypt the audio data from its buffer via an API function call. This ensures that only the authorized process can decrypt and use the audio data, while other processes cannot access it. The system uses multiple buffers and interceptors to manage different processes, maintaining isolation and security. The approach prevents unauthorized software from intercepting or accessing audio streams intended for specific applications, addressing security risks in shared computing environments.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: receiving, by the processor of the computer, a plurality of requests from the plurality of software processes, respectively, to obtain audio streams from one or more audio endpoint devices including the audio endpoint device; allocating, by the processor, the plurality of data buffers for the plurality of software processes; encrypting audio data associated with each of the requested audio streams; storing the encrypted audio data for each of the requested audio streams in the allocated data buffer, respectively; and decrypting the encrypted audio data for each of the requested audio streams by at least a portion of the plurality of software processes that have been configured with a respective interceptor of an API function call.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to secure audio stream management in computing systems where multiple software processes request audio data from one or more audio endpoint devices. The problem addressed is ensuring secure transmission and processing of audio streams while allowing multiple processes to access them concurrently. The system includes a processor that receives multiple requests from software processes to obtain audio streams from audio endpoint devices. The processor allocates data buffers for each requesting process. Audio data from the requested streams is encrypted before being stored in the allocated buffers. When a software process needs to access the audio data, it uses an interceptor configured for an API function call to decrypt the encrypted data. This ensures that audio data remains secure during transmission and storage while allowing multiple processes to access it in a controlled manner. The interceptor mechanism enables selective decryption based on the process's authorization, enhancing security without compromising functionality. The system is particularly useful in environments where secure audio processing is required, such as in communication applications or multimedia systems with strict data protection requirements.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: installing the interceptor of the API function call for the one software process only if the processor determines that the one software process is not an unauthorized software process.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to software security, specifically to a method for selectively intercepting API function calls in a computing system to prevent unauthorized software processes from accessing sensitive operations. The problem addressed is the risk of malicious or unauthorized software processes exploiting API functions to perform unauthorized actions, such as data exfiltration or system manipulation. The method involves monitoring software processes to determine whether they are authorized to make API function calls. If a process is identified as unauthorized, the system prevents the installation of an interceptor for that process's API calls, thereby blocking potential malicious activity. For authorized processes, the interceptor is installed to monitor or modify the API function calls as needed, ensuring secure and controlled access to system resources. The system includes a processor that evaluates each software process to determine its authorization status. This evaluation may involve checking process signatures, digital certificates, or other authentication mechanisms. Once authorization is confirmed, the interceptor is deployed to intercept and manage the API calls for that process, allowing for enhanced security and monitoring without disrupting legitimate operations. The method ensures that only trusted processes can interact with sensitive API functions, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or exploitation.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the determining of whether the software process requesting to obtain the audio stream is an unauthorized software process comprises at least one of: monitoring activities of the requesting process to determine whether the process is trusted or not trusted; scanning the requesting process by accessing a database of signatures of known viruses and comparing a signature of the requesting process; and receiving, from a user, a command whether to grant access to the audio stream by the requesting process.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to security measures for protecting audio streams in computing systems. The problem addressed is unauthorized access to audio data by malicious or untrusted software processes, which can lead to privacy breaches or data leaks. The invention provides a method to determine whether a software process requesting access to an audio stream is authorized or unauthorized. The method involves multiple techniques to assess the trustworthiness of the requesting process. One technique monitors the process's activities to determine if it behaves in a trusted or untrusted manner. Another technique scans the process by comparing its signature against a database of known virus signatures to identify potential malware. Additionally, the method allows a user to manually grant or deny access to the audio stream for the requesting process, providing an additional layer of control. By combining these approaches, the invention ensures that only authorized processes can access sensitive audio data, enhancing system security and user privacy. The method is particularly useful in environments where audio streams contain confidential or personal information that must be protected from unauthorized access.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method according to claim 3 , further comprising: directly storing the audio data received from the audio endpoint device in a separate data buffer; and only granting access to the audio data by the one software process after the audio data has been encrypted and the process identifier data indicates the one software process is not an unauthorized software process.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to secure audio data handling in computing systems and addresses the problem of preventing unauthorized access to sensitive audio streams. The system involves receiving audio data from an audio endpoint device. This received audio data is directly stored in a dedicated data buffer, separate from other system memory. Access to this stored audio data is strictly controlled. Access is only permitted to a specific software process after two conditions are met. First, the audio data must be encrypted. Second, the process identifier data associated with the requesting software process must be checked to confirm that it is not an unauthorized software process. This ensures that only legitimate and authenticated software can access the encrypted audio stream, thereby enhancing the security and privacy of audio data.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the processing of the audio data device by the at least one audio processing object comprises processing the audio data by a global effects audio processing object allocated for the plurality of software processes and a local effects audio processing object associated with the one software process.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to audio processing systems designed to handle audio data across multiple software processes. The problem addressed is the inefficient and resource-intensive nature of traditional audio processing methods, which often require redundant processing for each software process, leading to increased computational overhead and latency. The solution involves a method for processing audio data using a combination of global and local audio processing objects. A global effects audio processing object is allocated to handle audio data for multiple software processes, allowing shared processing of common audio effects such as reverb, equalization, or compression. This reduces redundancy and optimizes resource usage. Additionally, a local effects audio processing object is associated with a specific software process to apply process-specific audio effects, such as individual instrument adjustments or dynamic range control. By separating global and local processing, the system achieves efficient audio handling while maintaining flexibility for individual process customization. The method ensures that audio data is processed in a hierarchical manner, first through the global effects object for shared modifications and then through the local effects object for process-specific adjustments. This approach minimizes redundant computations, reduces latency, and improves overall system performance. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring real-time audio processing, such as digital audio workstations, virtual instruments, and audio streaming platforms.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the encrypting of the audio data comprises encrypting the audio data by one of a symmetrical encryption algorithm and an asymmetrical encryption algorithm.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to secure audio data transmission, addressing the need to protect audio information from unauthorized access during communication or storage. The method involves encrypting audio data to ensure confidentiality, using either symmetric or asymmetric encryption algorithms. Symmetric encryption employs a single key for both encryption and decryption, providing efficient and fast processing. Asymmetric encryption, on the other hand, uses a pair of keys—a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption—enhancing security by allowing secure key exchange. The choice between symmetric and asymmetric encryption depends on factors such as performance requirements, key management complexity, and the level of security needed. The encrypted audio data can then be transmitted or stored securely, preventing interception or tampering. This approach ensures that only authorized recipients with the correct decryption key can access the original audio content, mitigating risks of eavesdropping or data breaches in applications like voice communication, multimedia storage, or secure audio logging. The method integrates seamlessly with existing audio processing systems, offering a flexible and robust solution for protecting sensitive audio information.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. A system for preventing unauthorized access to audio data, the system comprising: a plurality of data buffers in an electronic memory; and a processor configured to: receive a request from one software process selected from a plurality of software processes to obtain an audio stream from an audio endpoint device; determine a process identifier for the one software process that transmitted the request to obtain the audio stream; allocate a data buffer selected from the plurality of data buffers for the one software process according to the determined process identifier; process and encrypt audio data received from the audio endpoint device by at least one audio processing object, wherein the audio data is associated with the requested audio stream; store the encrypted audio data in the allocated data buffer for the one software process; based on the determined process identifier, install an interceptor of an application program interface (API) function call for the one software process corresponding to the determined process identifier, such that the installed interceptor is configured to access the encrypted audio data from the allocated data buffer and decrypt the encrypted audio data only for the one software process; and decrypt the encrypted audio data from the allocated data buffer by the one software process using the interceptor of the API function call.

Plain English Translation

This system prevents unauthorized access to audio data by securely managing audio streams between software processes and audio endpoint devices. The system includes multiple data buffers in electronic memory and a processor that handles audio data requests from software processes. When a request is received, the processor identifies the requesting process and allocates a dedicated buffer for it. Audio data from the endpoint device is processed and encrypted before storage in the allocated buffer. The system then installs an interceptor for the process's API function calls, allowing only the authorized process to access and decrypt the data from its buffer. This ensures that other processes cannot intercept or access the audio stream, enhancing security. The interceptor decrypts the data only for the requesting process, maintaining confidentiality. The system is designed to protect audio data integrity and prevent unauthorized access in environments where multiple processes may attempt to capture or manipulate audio streams.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The system according to claim 8 , wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a plurality of requests from the plurality of software processes, respectively, to obtain audio streams from one or more audio endpoint devices including the audio endpoint device; allocate the plurality of data buffers for the plurality of software processes; encrypt audio data associated with each of the requested audio streams; store the encrypted audio data for each of the requested audio streams in the allocated data buffer, respectively; and decrypt the encrypted audio data for each of the requested audio streams by at least a portion of the plurality of software processes that have been configured with a respective interceptor of an API function call.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to secure audio data handling in a system where multiple software processes request audio streams from one or more audio endpoint devices. The problem addressed is ensuring secure transmission and processing of audio data between these processes and devices, particularly in environments where multiple processes may need access to the same audio streams. The system includes a processor that manages audio data flow between software processes and audio endpoint devices. The processor receives multiple requests from different software processes to obtain audio streams from one or more audio endpoint devices. To handle these requests securely, the processor allocates separate data buffers for each software process. Audio data from the requested streams is encrypted before storage in the allocated buffers. Each software process that needs to access the audio data is configured with an interceptor for API function calls, which decrypts the encrypted audio data as needed. This ensures that audio data remains encrypted while in transit or at rest, protecting it from unauthorized access. The system supports secure multi-process audio streaming by isolating encrypted data in process-specific buffers and decrypting it only when accessed by authorized processes. This approach prevents unauthorized processes from accessing or modifying the audio data, enhancing security in multi-process audio applications.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The system according to claim 8 , wherein the processor is further configured to: determine whether the one software process requesting to obtain the audio stream is an unauthorized software process based on the process identifier data; and install the interceptor of the API function call for the one software process only if the processor determines that the one software process is not an unauthorized software process.

Plain English Translation

This system operates in the domain of software security, specifically for controlling access to audio streams within a computing environment. The problem addressed is unauthorized software processes attempting to access sensitive audio data, which can lead to privacy breaches or malicious activities. The system includes a processor that monitors software processes requesting access to an audio stream. It evaluates each process using process identifier data to determine if the requesting process is unauthorized. If the process is authorized, the system installs an interceptor for API function calls related to the audio stream, allowing controlled access. If the process is unauthorized, access is denied. The interceptor ensures that only legitimate processes can interact with the audio stream, enhancing security. The system may also include a memory storing the process identifier data and a communication interface for receiving the audio stream. This approach prevents unauthorized software from intercepting or manipulating audio data, protecting user privacy and system integrity. The solution is particularly relevant in environments where audio data must be secured, such as in enterprise systems, secure communication platforms, or privacy-sensitive applications.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The system according to claim 10 , wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether the software process requesting to obtain the audio stream is an unauthorized software process by performing at least one of: monitoring activities of the requesting process to determine whether the process is trusted or not trusted; scanning the requesting process by accessing a database of signatures of known viruses and comparing a signature of the requesting process; and receiving, from a user, a command whether to grant access to the audio stream by the requesting process.

Plain English Translation

This system relates to audio stream security in computing environments, specifically preventing unauthorized software processes from accessing audio streams. The problem addressed is the risk of malicious or untrusted software processes intercepting or misusing audio data, which can compromise user privacy and system security. The system includes a processor that verifies whether a software process requesting access to an audio stream is authorized. To do this, the processor performs one or more security checks. First, it monitors the activities of the requesting process to assess whether it is trusted or untrusted. Second, it scans the process by comparing its signature against a database of known virus signatures to detect malicious software. Third, it allows a user to manually approve or deny access to the audio stream for the requesting process. The system ensures that only trusted or user-approved processes can access audio streams, mitigating the risk of unauthorized audio data interception. This approach combines automated monitoring, signature-based scanning, and user intervention to enhance security. The solution is particularly relevant in environments where audio privacy and integrity are critical, such as in personal computing, enterprise systems, or applications handling sensitive audio data.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The system according to claim 10 , wherein the processor is further configured to: directly store the audio data received from the audio endpoint device in a separate data buffer; and only grant access to the audio data by the one software process after the audio data has been encrypted and the process identifier data indicates the one software process is not an unauthorized software process.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to secure audio data handling in computing systems, specifically addressing the risk of unauthorized software processes accessing sensitive audio data. The system includes a processor that receives audio data from an audio endpoint device, such as a microphone or audio input peripheral. The processor stores the audio data directly in a separate data buffer, isolating it from direct access by software processes. Before any software process can access the audio data, the system encrypts the data and verifies the process identifier to ensure the requesting software is authorized. This prevents unauthorized processes from intercepting or manipulating the audio data before encryption. The system ensures that only trusted software processes can access the decrypted audio data, enhancing security for sensitive audio communications. The invention builds on a base system that manages audio data streams and process authentication, adding an additional layer of protection by enforcing encryption and access control before data is made available to software processes. This approach mitigates risks such as eavesdropping or data tampering by malicious software.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The system according to claim 8 , wherein the processor is further configured to process the audio data device by the at least one audio processing object by first processing the audio data by a global effects audio processing object allocated for the plurality of software processes and then processing the audio data by a local effects audio processing object associated with the one software process.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to audio processing systems designed to handle audio data across multiple software processes. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing audio effects in environments where multiple software processes generate or modify audio data, ensuring consistent and scalable audio processing. The system includes a processor configured to process audio data using at least one audio processing object. The processor first applies a global effects audio processing object, which is shared among multiple software processes, to the audio data. This global processing step ensures that common audio effects, such as reverb or equalization, are applied uniformly across all processes. After the global effects are applied, the processor then processes the audio data using a local effects audio processing object, which is specific to a single software process. This allows for process-specific audio modifications, such as individual volume adjustments or effects tailored to a particular application. By separating audio processing into global and local stages, the system optimizes performance and resource usage while maintaining flexibility for individual software processes. This approach is particularly useful in complex audio environments, such as digital audio workstations, gaming engines, or real-time audio applications, where multiple processes may need to interact with audio data simultaneously.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The system according to claim 8 , wherein the processor is further configured to encrypt the audio data by one of a symmetrical encryption algorithm and an asymmetrical encryption algorithm.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a secure audio data processing system designed to enhance privacy and security in audio communication or storage. The system addresses the problem of unauthorized access to sensitive audio data by implementing encryption techniques to protect the data during transmission or storage. The system includes a processor configured to process audio data, which may involve capturing, transmitting, or storing the audio. To ensure security, the processor encrypts the audio data using either a symmetrical encryption algorithm, where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption, or an asymmetrical encryption algorithm, which uses a pair of keys—a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. Symmetrical encryption is typically faster and more efficient for large data sets, while asymmetrical encryption provides stronger security for key exchange and authentication. The system may also include additional components, such as an audio input device for capturing audio signals and a network interface for transmitting encrypted audio data to a remote server or another device. The encryption process ensures that even if the audio data is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the appropriate decryption key, thereby safeguarding sensitive information. This system is particularly useful in applications requiring high levels of confidentiality, such as secure communication systems, medical data storage, or financial transactions involving voice authentication.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer executable instructions for preventing unauthorized access to audio data, including instructions for: receiving a request from one software process of a plurality of software processes to obtain an audio stream from an audio endpoint device; determining a process identifier for the one software process that transmitted the request to obtain the audio stream; allocating a data buffer of a plurality of data buffers for the one software process according to the determined process identifier; processing and encrypting audio data received from the audio endpoint device by at least one audio processing object, wherein the audio data associated with the requested audio stream; storing the encrypted audio data in the allocated data buffer for the one software process; based on the determined process identifier, installing an interceptor of an application program interface (API) function call for the one software process corresponding to the determined process identifier, such that the installed interceptor is configured to access the encrypted audio data from the allocated data buffer and decrypt the encrypted audio data only for the one software process; and decrypting the encrypted audio data from the allocated data buffer by the one software process using the interceptor of the API function call.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to securing audio data in computing systems by preventing unauthorized access to audio streams from endpoint devices. The problem addressed is the risk of unauthorized software processes intercepting or accessing audio data, which can lead to privacy and security breaches. The solution involves a system that isolates audio data access for each software process, ensuring only authorized processes can decrypt and use the audio data. The system receives a request from a software process to obtain an audio stream from an audio endpoint device, such as a microphone. It identifies the requesting process using a process identifier and allocates a dedicated data buffer for that process. Audio data from the endpoint device is processed and encrypted before being stored in the allocated buffer. An interceptor is installed for the process's API function calls, allowing only the authorized process to access and decrypt the data from its buffer. This ensures that other processes cannot access the audio data, even if they attempt to intercept the API calls. The encryption and decryption are handled by audio processing objects, which manage the secure transfer of data. The interceptor ensures that decryption only occurs for the intended process, maintaining data integrity and preventing unauthorized access. This approach provides a robust mechanism for protecting audio data in multi-process environments.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15 , further comprising instructions for: receiving a plurality of requests from the plurality of software processes, respectively, to obtain audio streams from one or more audio endpoint devices including the audio endpoint device; allocating the plurality of data buffers for the plurality of software processes; encrypting audio data associated with each of the requested audio streams; storing the encrypted audio data for each of the requested audio streams in the allocated data buffer, respectively; and decrypting the encrypted audio data for each of the requested audio streams by at least a portion of the plurality of software processes that have been configured with a respective interceptor of a API function call.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to secure audio data handling in a computing system where multiple software processes request audio streams from one or more audio endpoint devices. The problem addressed is ensuring secure transmission and processing of audio data between these processes and devices, particularly in environments where multiple processes may need concurrent access to the same audio streams. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for managing audio data securely. When multiple software processes request audio streams from audio endpoint devices, the system allocates separate data buffers for each process. The audio data from each requested stream is encrypted before being stored in the respective allocated buffer. This encrypted data is then decrypted by the software processes that have been configured with an interceptor for API function calls, allowing secure access to the audio streams. The interceptor ensures that only authorized processes can decrypt and access the audio data, preventing unauthorized interception or tampering. This approach enhances security in multi-process audio handling environments, such as those used in communication applications, multimedia systems, or other scenarios where multiple processes interact with audio endpoints. The encryption and decryption steps are performed dynamically as requests are processed, ensuring real-time secure audio data management.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15 , further comprising instructions for: determining whether the one software process requesting to obtain the audio stream is an unauthorized software process based on the process identifier data; and installing the interceptor of the API function call for the one software process only if the processor determines that the one software process is not an unauthorized software process.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computer security, specifically to a method for selectively intercepting API function calls to prevent unauthorized software processes from accessing audio streams. The problem addressed is the risk of malicious or unauthorized software processes intercepting or misusing audio data, such as microphone inputs, which can compromise user privacy and system security. The invention involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform a security check before allowing a software process to access an audio stream. The system first determines whether the requesting software process is unauthorized by analyzing process identifier data associated with the process. If the process is authorized, the system installs an interceptor for API function calls related to the audio stream, allowing the process to proceed. If the process is unauthorized, the interceptor is not installed, effectively blocking access to the audio stream. The process identifier data may include information such as the process name, digital signature, or other attributes that verify the legitimacy of the software. The interceptor monitors and controls API function calls to ensure that only authorized processes can access sensitive audio data, enhancing system security and user privacy. This approach prevents unauthorized software from bypassing security measures and accessing audio streams without permission.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17 , wherein the instructions for determining whether the software process requesting to obtain the audio stream is an unauthorized software process comprises at least one of: monitoring activities of the requesting process to determine whether the process is trusted or not trusted; scanning the requesting process by accessing a database of signatures of known viruses and comparing a signature of the requesting process; and receiving, from a user, a command whether to grant access to the audio stream by the requesting process.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computer security, specifically methods for controlling access to audio streams in a computing system to prevent unauthorized software processes from obtaining sensitive audio data. The problem addressed is the risk of malicious software accessing audio streams, which can lead to privacy violations such as eavesdropping or unauthorized recording. The invention provides a system that determines whether a software process requesting access to an audio stream is authorized or unauthorized. The determination is made through multiple verification methods, including monitoring the activities of the requesting process to assess its trustworthiness, scanning the process for known malware signatures by comparing it against a database of virus signatures, and allowing a user to manually approve or deny access. These methods ensure that only trusted processes can access audio streams, enhancing system security and user privacy. The invention is implemented via a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed, perform these verification steps before granting access to the audio stream. This approach provides a multi-layered defense against unauthorized audio access, combining automated monitoring, signature-based detection, and user-controlled permissions.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17 , further comprising instructions for: directly storing the audio data received from the audio endpoint device in a separate data buffer; and only granting access to the audio data by the one software process after the audio data has been encrypted and the process identifier data indicates the one software process is not an unauthorized software process.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to secure audio data handling in computing systems, specifically addressing the risk of unauthorized software processes accessing sensitive audio data. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions for managing audio data received from an audio endpoint device, such as a microphone or other input source. The instructions include directly storing the audio data in a separate data buffer, ensuring isolation from other system processes. Access to this audio data is restricted until it has been encrypted and verified that the requesting software process is authorized. The verification is performed by checking process identifier data to confirm the process is not unauthorized. This approach prevents unauthorized software from intercepting or manipulating raw audio data, enhancing privacy and security in applications handling sensitive audio inputs. The system may also include additional security measures, such as validating the integrity of the audio data before encryption and ensuring the encryption process is tamper-proof. The overall solution is designed for environments where secure audio processing is critical, such as in communication applications, voice recognition systems, or other privacy-sensitive contexts.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17 , wherein the instructions for processing the audio data device by the at least one audio processing object comprises processing the audio data by a global effects audio processing object allocated for the plurality of software processes and a local effects audio processing object associated with the one software process.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to audio processing systems for handling audio data in a computing environment. The problem addressed is the inefficient and inflexible processing of audio data across multiple software processes, which can lead to performance bottlenecks and limited customization for individual processes. The system includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for managing audio data processing. The instructions enable the creation of at least one audio processing object to handle audio data from one or more software processes. The audio processing object processes the audio data using a combination of global and local effects. The global effects are applied by a global effects audio processing object, which is shared among multiple software processes, allowing centralized control and resource optimization. The local effects are applied by a local effects audio processing object, which is dedicated to a single software process, enabling process-specific customization and fine-tuning. This dual-layer approach ensures efficient resource utilization while maintaining flexibility for individual process requirements. The system dynamically allocates and manages these audio processing objects to optimize performance and reduce latency in audio data handling.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17 , wherein the instructions for encrypting the audio data comprises encrypting the audio data by one of a symmetrical encryption algorithm and an asymmetrical encryption algorithm.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to secure audio data processing, specifically methods for encrypting audio data to prevent unauthorized access. The system involves a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, perform encryption of audio data using either a symmetrical or asymmetrical encryption algorithm. Symmetrical encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, providing fast and efficient security for large datasets. Asymmetrical encryption employs a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption, enhancing security by ensuring only authorized parties with the private key can access the data. The encryption process ensures that audio data remains confidential during storage or transmission, addressing concerns about privacy and data breaches in digital communication systems. The system may also include additional features such as key management, authentication, and secure data transmission protocols to further enhance security. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring high levels of data protection, such as secure voice communication, confidential audio storage, and protected multimedia transmission.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

January 9, 2018

Inventors

Vyacheslav I. Levchenko
Alexander V. Kalinin

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SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING TRANSMISSION OF AUDIO DATA FROM MICROPHONE TO APPLICATION PROCESSES